If we indeed are what we eat, many of us may end up very displeased with who we become. Despite increased evidence of the dramatic benefits of a low-fat diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, fast-food intake is at an all-time high and the American public is growing (literally) at an unprecedented rate.

If you’re not convinced by the previous research, maybe this latest study will convince you.

Data from phase 2 (1987-89) of the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project included the results of a 62-item food frequency questionnaire completed by 42,254 women. The study authors examined all-cause mortality (death by any cause) based on “Recommended Food Score” (RFS) -- the sum of the number of foods recommended by current dietary guidelines that subjects reported consuming at least once a week.